Research for music video- Andrew Goodwin Theory

Andrew Goodwin wrote book called 'Danicng in the Distraction Factory' 1993.

In my previous post about structure of music video, I have mentioned a Todorov theory and his idea about narrative structure - 'normality-problem-resolution'. Goodwin argues that this very traditional  pattern can not refer to a pop videos. He backup his statement with 3 main points:

1. pop video are build around song which more often does not carry to any extend a narrative structure
2. in pop video character and narrator is played by singer
3. singier looks directly into camera. it is an visible relationship between singer and audience which has to create a feeling that an audience is taking a part in music video

One of the most common feature on which music video relay is repetition. Often as an audience we get the same image in choruses while during line we get 'strory'. There is also a close connection between some part or rhythms of other song which is called intertextuality. 

There are 3 types of relationship between songs and video

• Ilustration
• Amplication
• Disjuncture

There is an example of a illustration video : most of the lyrics is shows by different images. 

' I gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be off good night:

We see peeople getting ready to party, lots of dancing, very positive feeling.

This an example of amplification, the video doesn't narrate the video but doesn't contradict the lyrics, as she sings " When I see you cry it makes me cry" the audience are shown the guy is distressed and the artist smiles. The audience are aware of the relationship which goes along with the lyrics.

This is a perfect example of disjuncture video. 

James Blunt is singing :

'You're beautiful. You're beautiful. 

You're beautiful, it's true. I saw your face in a crowded place, And I don't know what to do,  'Cause I'll never be with you.'

and we see him taking out from pocket different things which does not relate to a lyrics.